The "Bharat Mata" photograph in the backdrop at Ramlila Maidan had come under flak for suggesting links between Team Anna Hazare and Hindu right-wing groups.

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IANS

New Delhi

August 21, 2011

UPDATED: August 22, 2011 00:37 IST

After coming under criticism in April, Team Anna has done away with the "Bharat Mata" backdrop at the Ramlila ground in New Delhi - a picture that had ignited controversy.

Although Anna Hazare's earlier five-day fast forced the government to talk to him about a strong anti-corruption bill, the activist was accused of alleged links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Critics also took on Hazare for lauding Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's developmental efforts. The "Bharat Mata" photograph came under falk for suggesting Hindu right-wing linkages.

This time, a large photo of Mahatma Gandhi forms the backdrop of Hazare's stage. Organisers say it's not a conscious effort.

"The image of Bharat Mata does not belong to RSS, anyone can use it. Annaji decides the designs. It's just that this time we have a different backdrop," an India Against Corruption (IAC) activist told IANS.

"And the man who made the Bharat Mata backdrop was a Muslim," said the activist, Aswathi Muralitharan.

This time, organisers have been underlining that Hazare's fast coincides with Ramazan -- the Muslim month of fasting.

On Saturday evening, a group of Muslims broke their fast and offered Namaz prayers in front of the stage.

The group leader later took shouted slogans like "Jihadein Anna!"

A girl also went up to the stage, drank water given by Hazare and broke her Ramazan fast. The crowd cheered on.